Faculty

Jim Paoletti, R.Ph., FIACP, FAARFMPharmacy Innovations, Inc.

Program Descriptions

A Functional Approach to Understanding and Treating Hypothyroidism

This program is designed to provide insight into, and the tools necessary to evaluate, the causes of the clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism. The program includes a discussion of the production and metabolism of thyroid hormones, nutritional factors involved, and how to utilize standard thyroid tests to determine where thyroid problems exist. The pros and cons of thyroid replacement therapy options will be discussed, including optimizing response with individually tailored regimens.

Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism continue to suffer from symptoms, despite having lab results within normal ranges. An understanding of thyroid hormone produc­tion and metabolism and factors that influence these, as well as a proper interpretation of standard thyroid tests, can help the pharmacist or practitioner to establish what may be causing the symptoms in a given individual. This program will allow treatment to be individualized to obtain more optimal thyroid function and symptom relief. This lecture will present a practical approach to treatment of these patients based on practical physi­ology and on research published in the scientific literature.

Learning Objectives. At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:1. review the production, metabolism, and activities of the thyroid gland and thyroid hormones;2. list the symptoms, types, and causes of hypothyroidism; 3. explain thyroid testing options and describe their usefulness and limitations;4. identify the nutritional and cortisol influences on thyroid function;5. recognize therapeutic options for restoration of normal thyroid function; and6. describe the use of adjunctive therapies, additional testing, and retesting in obtaining desired therapeutic outcomes with hormone and endocrine balance.

Assessment and Treatment of Adrenal Dysfunction

Excess or deficiency of adrenal output of cortisol will cause direct symptoms, as well as symptoms caused by secondary disruption of other endocrine hormone levels, metabo­lism, and function, and disturbances to the HPA and HPT axes. This session will help you understand what causes adrenal disorders, how to recognize and assess the extent of the problem, and how to properly treat various levels of adrenal dysfunction to obtain optimal symptom relief and overall health benefits for your patients. Treatment options explored will range from lifestyle modifications and stressor response adaptation to sup­port for adrenal recovery and cortisol replacement therapy.

Adrenal dysfunction issues have become common for many patients who lead the high-stress lifestyle prevalent in today’s society. Failure to recognize and properly treat adre­nal problems will result in a less than optimal health picture for these patients. Proper understanding of how adrenal dysfunction occurs, its assessment and treatment, and options for patients suffering from these disorders will allow practitioners to provide better health outcomes for their patients.

Learning Objectives. At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:1. describe the pathology and underlying physiology of adrenal dysfunction; 2. recognize some of the major signs and symptoms of adrenal dysfunction;3. relate appropriate clinical assessment of adrenal dysfunction; and4. describe several practical strategies to manage symptoms of cortisol excess or deficiency.

This seminar is targeted to all pharmacists and pharmacy students. Both sessions are knowl­edge-based activities. To receive continuing pharmacy education credit, you must fill out the CE form, sign, date, and return it to OPA staff. Statements of CE credit will be distributed at the completion of the program.

The Ohio Pharmacists Foundation Inc. is ac­credited by the Accreditation Council for Phar­macy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

Driving directions and a list of area hotels will be included with your confirmation letter upon receipt of your registration.